Health Leaders from the Western Pacific, currently attending the 75th RCM in Manila, Philippines, have unanimously endorsed Solomon Islands and Japan as the next Western Pacific representatives to the World Health Organization Executive Board, replacing China and Micronesia, whose terms end in 2025.
This is the first time ever that Solomon Islands is accorded the opportunity to be a Member at the Highest Decision making platform of the World Health Organization since becoming a Member State of WPRO in 1983.
The Executive Board is composed of 34 persons who are technically qualified in the field of health, each designated by a Member State that has been elected to serve by the World Health Assembly. Member State Representatives are elected for three-year terms.
The Western Pacific currently has five members at the executive board and the newly endorsed representatives, Solomon Islands and Japan will join Australia, Brunei Darussalam, and Republic of Korea.
The annual Board meetings are held twice a year and the first one is being held in January when the members agree upon the agenda for the World Health Assembly and the resolutions to be considered by the Health Assembly. A second shorter meeting takes place in May-June, as a follow-up to the Health Assembly. The main functions of the Board are to implement the decisions and policies of the Health Assembly, and advise and generally to facilitate its work.
Responding to the announcement this morning, Health Minister Bosawai expressed gratitude and pledged to work closely with Health leaders around the region to improve global health.
“Together, we embark on a critical journey to improve global health, promote well-being, and ensure that no one is left behind within our region through our vision set by our regional Director and I quote “ Weaving health for All”.
“I acknowledge the tireless efforts of the outgoing board member who represented us well from Micronesia, Mr Marcus. His dedication and commitment has laid a strong foundation for my work ahead. I owe him a debt of gratitude for his service and the progress he have achieved in addressing pressing health challenges during his tenure as a board Member to the WHO executive.”
“I wish to thank my government, the government of National unity and Transformation and my Permanent Secretary, Mrs Pauline McNeil, who drove this initiative and initially submitted the Expression of Interest (EOI) for my membership to the Executive Board of WHO, and my ministerial executive management team for their unwavering and collective support all round. I also wish to thank my People of North Guadalcanal constituency in Solomon Islands who steered my path into politics, which has now led to my endorsement to the World Health Organization Executive board as a member. It is history for Solomon Islands and a personal achievement for me and my family. ”As we look to the future, we face unprecedented challenges—pandemics, health disparities, and the impacts of climate change, to name just a few. But with these challenges come immense opportunities. Our mission at WHO is not just to respond to health crises but to create resilient health systems that empower communities within our region.”
“I am committed to fostering collaboration among member states, stakeholders, and communities. Together, we must prioritize health equity, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to quality healthcare. We must invest in preventative measures, mental health, and the integration of technology in health systems to enhance our responses.”
“Collaboration is at the heart of my mission. We have witnessed the power of unity during the COVID-19 pandemic, where global cooperation was paramount. Let us carry that pacific spirit forward. I will advocate for inclusive dialogue that amplifies the voices of those most affected by health inequities—women, children, and marginalized communities and be ensure to weave the mat as a foundation to achieve our collaborative efforts to achieving our mission in Health coverage.”
“Innovation will be our ally as we confront emerging health threats. I urge all of you to support initiatives that leverage technology and data-driven approaches to enhance disease surveillance, research, and healthcare delivery. We must embrace the lessons learned from our past to build a healthier, more resilient future.”
“As I take on this role, I invite each of my fellow member states to join me in this endeavor. Let us engage in open dialogue, share best practices, and work collaboratively to create sustainable health solutions. Together, we can ensure that health is a fundamental right for all, not just a privilege for the few. Let us come as a family in the western pacific region and Weave the Mat set as a foundation of our mission,” said Minister Bosawai.
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